Nearly 50,000 men and women in the United States will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. The five-year survival rate is 83 percent with early discovery. That figure drops to about 50 percent when oral cancer is detected in late stages. Our skilled dentists at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL provide advanced oral cancer screenings to detect abnormal oral tissues early.
About oral cancer screening
Oral cancer can begin in the lips, lining of the lips and cheeks, gums, tongue, bottom of the mouth, hard palate, roof of the mouth, tonsils, or upper throat. These components are essential to overall wellness, helping us breathe, eat, and speak.
There are many types of cancer specific to the oral cavity. Research indicates that risk factors include HPV16 (a strain of the human papilloma virus), a compromised immune system, a history of cancer, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Oral cancer screening is part of every comprehensive checkup at Eastland Dental Center. It begins with the dentist’s visual evaluation of soft tissues to search for signs of precancerous conditions or cancer.
Safeguard Against Oral Cancer Today
Prioritize your health with an oral cancer screening at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL.
Call (309) 663-4711 today to schedule your visit and take a proactive step toward early detection, peace of mind, and comprehensive care designed to protect your long-term well-being.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
What is an oral cancer screening, and why is it important?
An oral cancer screening is a preventive evaluation that checks for unusual changes in the tissues of your mouth and surrounding areas. Detecting abnormalities early can significantly improve outcomes and simplify treatment. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, screenings are part of routine care, helping identify concerns at an earlier stage when they are more manageable and less likely to impact overall health.
Which areas are examined during an oral cancer screening?
During a screening, your dentist carefully reviews multiple areas, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth. The throat and tonsil region may also be evaluated. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, this thorough approach helps ensure that any irregularities affecting essential functions, such as speaking or eating, are identified as early as possible.
What are common risk factors for oral cancer?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and certain viral infections such as HPV. A weakened immune system or a history of cancer may also contribute. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, your dental team considers these factors when recommending screenings and monitoring changes in your oral tissues over time.
What happens during an oral cancer screening appointment?
The screening process is quick, non-invasive, and performed during a routine dental visit. Your dentist visually inspects the soft tissues of your mouth and may gently feel for abnormalities. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, the goal is to identify any unusual areas that may require further evaluation, all while keeping the experience comfortable and stress-free for patients.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Most patients receive an oral cancer screening as part of their regular dental checkups. The frequency may vary depending on your health history and risk level. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, your dentist will determine the appropriate schedule to ensure consistent monitoring and early detection of any changes that could require attention.
Can oral cancer be detected early, even without symptoms?
Yes, oral cancer may develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That is why routine screenings are so valuable. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, regular evaluations help identify subtle changes before they become more serious, increasing the chances of successful treatment and reducing the likelihood of complications later.
Is an oral cancer screening uncomfortable or time-consuming?
Oral cancer screenings are both quick and comfortable. The process typically takes only a few minutes and does not involve any invasive procedures. At Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, screenings are seamlessly included in your visit, making it easy to prioritize this important aspect of preventive care without adding extra time or inconvenience.
Call our office at Eastland Dental Center in Bloomington, IL, at (309) 663-4711 to learn more about oral cancer screening.
Eastland Dental Center
Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.
Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.
Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.